INNOVATION THROUGH RESEARCH

TOWARDS SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

● AN ETHNOCULTURAL STUDY ABOUT THE MEDICAL PRACTICES

OF “MAGTATAMBAL” IN TAGKAWAYAN, QUEZON

Arnel Lenra Adulta, Angeline Adillo, Ken Jhie Bongalos, Den Carlo De Guzman, Danielle De Ocampo,
John Edward Del Carmen
Samboy Niala, Research Adviser
1
Tagkawayan National High School

Abstract: This study focused on the different cultures and practices of magtatambal in Tagkawayan,
Quezon. In addition, this study also aimed to know and understand the different challenges faced by the
magtatambal, how they cope with it, and how they preserve their medical practices. The study used an ethnocultural
type of qualitative research by utilizing interviews and observation. The subject of the study was composed of three
(3) magtatambal. Magtatambal (1) in Barangay Aliji, magtatambal (2) in Barangay Bamban, and magtatambal (3)
in Barangay Sta. Cecilia Tagkawayan, Quezon. They were purposively selected because of their differences on the
method of treating animal bites and are specifically identified experienced magtatambal. In the light of the findings,
the researchers found out that magtatambal (1) performs her medical practice by saying a Latin prayer, blowing air,
and patting the body part bitten of the patient, magtatambal (2) performs her medical practice by washing the wound
caused by the animal fangs using the tambal (alcohol) and letting the victim drink one shot of the tambal. Lastly,
magtatambal (3) performs her's by putting a boiled bamboo stalk to the wound that will extract the venom from the
victim’s body. The subjects’ only problem or challenge is handling patients that are severely ill. Pagtatambal
supports the subjects’ family through the donations that they receive from their patients. Passing the knowledge and
the procedure is the subjects’ way to preserve pagtatambal and, moreover, since some procedure are simple, the
order of the healing procedure is easy to remember.

Key Words: Magtatambal; medical practices; bamboo stalk; ethnocultural; tambal

1. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Humans have traditionally relied on nature to meet their
essential needs, such as food, clothes, medicines, and natural
healing remedies. Before, there were no high establishments,
modern medical equipment, and further knowledge about
Medicine. It is impressive how diseased people are still able
to survive without the things mentioned above. Only
traditional healing methods such as herbal ingestion, local
incision, and prayers are given to its patients. The mentioned
procedures are done using traditional healing methods or
sometimes termed as faith healing.
Faith healing is a method of medication in which a
believer seeks divine intervention through praying to
reconcile a particular ailment or condition. Since time,
immemorial faith healing has been used by believers who
adhere to different religions to heal diseases. Faith healers are
the ones who conduct the faith healing. Other than that, they
have the ability to cure patients’ bites in spite of lacking the
proper study from Medicine. Usually, their knowledge came
from their ancestors or learned from their experiences. A
Tambal or Magtatambal is an example of a faith healer that
can be found in Tagkawayan, Quezon. They specialize on
treating snakebites, rabies, and other poisonous animal bites.
They only differ from the methods on how they treat their
patients. The availability of this medical practices helped
saved the lives of many people. However, due to
modernization of Medicine, pagtatambal is slowly fading and
much more to vanish if it was not preserved. The knowledge
of this culture will be buried if the people would forget its
tradition.
Snakebite is a serious medical, social, and economic
problem in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and
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subtropical countries, which are home to the majority of the
world's dangerous snakes and have limited access of
treatment. In Vietnam, the majority of traditional healers
inherited their family businesses and learned healing skills
and expertise from their forefathers and mothers. Since these
traditional family businesses have had such a long history
with the community, the healers have won the trust and
gratitude of the community. Also, the affordable treatment
cost compared to modern medicine is one of the factors for
local people to continuously use their service. According to
Peprah et al.(2018) on their research entitled Religion and
Health: exploration of attitudes and health perceptions of
faith healing users in urban Ghana, faith healers served as the
first port of call for disease curing and prevention for
most users. Consumers of faith healing perceived their health
status to be good due to the perceived effectiveness of faith
healing for curing of health problems.
Traditional healers, however, are often neglected and left
out from rabies prevention and control plans. As Mental
Floss UK (2018) stated the “cut and suck” method was
discredited a few decades ago because research proved it to
be counterproductive. They stated that venom spreads to
victim’s system quickly, so there is no hope of sucking out a
sufficient volume to make any difference as it can only
increase the risk of infections.
The researchers pursue this study to explore their
medical practices to learn from their perspectives and
knowledge to understand their way of healing. This will help
determine the reliability of the said medical practices. Also,
the study would help to preserve the knowledge and culture
about pagtatambal. This study would remind the readers
about the existence of the culture of Pagtatambal.
3. What are the benefits that the magtatambal
receive?
4. How do the magtatambal preserve their medical
practices?
Significance of the Study
The study was beneficial to the faith healers to help them
to be recognized and preserve their culture and knowledge
about treating patients without the use of modern medical
apparatus. It would inform the community about alternative
and natural processes used by the magtatambal. In addition,
this study will give them enough information for a better
understanding of their traditions and cultures which is used
by their ancestors. Also, the study might be helpful to the
researchers pursuing similar study as they can use as a
reference or guide.
Scope and Delimitation
The study focused on medical practices of magtatambal
in Tagkawayan, Quezon. The study was conducted at
Barangay Aliji, Bamban, and Sta. Cecilia Tagkawayan,
Quezon, respectively. Each barangay inherent one (1)
magtatambal which differ from one another by their medical
practices. In connection, this study would also determine the
culture in doing the medical practice of the magtatambal and
help preserve it by giving value to the practice and
introducing it to the people of Tagkawayan, Quezon.
Conceptual Framework

Statement of the Problem An Ethnocultural Study about the Medical Practices of

“Magtatambal” in Tagkawayan,
PROCESS Quezon
The study would like to investigate about the medical
practices of magtatambal in Tagkawayan, Quezon.
*Observation
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: INPUT
1. What are the medical practices of the Magtatambal *Interview
1.1 In Barangay Aliji Tagkawayan, Quezon *Selected OUTPUT
*Analysis
1.2 In Barangay Bamban Tagkawayan, Quezon, and “Magtatambal” in
1.3 In Barangay Sta. Cecilia Tagkawayan, Quezon? Tagkawayan, *Interpretatio
Quezon Ethnocultural
2. What are the different challenges encountered by n of the study about the
the magtatambal? medical practices
gathered data
of "Magtatambal”
in Tagkawayan,
Quezon.
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Fig 1. Conceptual Framework
The researchers’ purpose of the research is to know
the ethnoculture about the medical practices of
“Magtatambal” in Tagkawayan, Quezon.
In input, the researchers would gather the data from
the selected magtatambal in Tagkawayan, Quezon.
In process, the researchers would observe, conduct
an interview, analyze, and interpret the data that they have
gathered.
In output, the researchers would determine the
ethnocultural study about the medical practices of
“Magtatambal” in Tagkawayan, Quezon.
Definition of Terms
The following terms were conceptually and operationally
defined:
Magtatambal is a faith healer who specializes on curing
animal bites who uses a method called tambal. The
Magtatambal in Tagkawayan, Quezon was the
respondents of this study.
Pagtatambal is the practice and culture of treating
animal bites without the use of modern medical
apparatus.
Bamboo stalk represents good fortune, love, and etc.
This is one of the materials used in pagtatambal.
Orasyon or a whispered prayer. It is one of the medical
practices of the magtatambal.
Tambal is the means of treatment or cure in Cebuano. In
this study, it is the term that define the materials
used by the magtatambal in order to perform their
medical practices.
Medical practice is the practice of medicine by a group
of physicians who share their premises and other
resources. In this study, it is the term used for the
medical process of the magtatambal which is
passed down from generation to generation.
2. METHODOLOGY
The study used an ethnoculural type of qualitative
research by utilizing interviews and observation. The findings
of the study were based on the researchers’ observation and
gathering of the information about the medical practices of
the selected magtatambal in the different barangays of
Tagkawayan, Quezon. The researchers conducted the study in
Barangay Aliji, Bamban, and Sta. Cecilia Tagkawayan,
Quezon. An interview protocol was prepared to gather
sufficient data for the study. There are prepared
questionnaires to be answered by each magtatambal. Also,
the researchers would observe the actual medical practices of
the magtatambal. The subject of the study was composed of
three (3) magtatambal in the selected barangays, one (1) in
Barangay Aliji, one (1) in Barangay Bamban, and one (1) in
Barangay Sta. Cecilia. They were selected because of their
differences on the method of treating animal bites and also,
they have the ability to express and explain their
ethnoculture.
The researchers utilized the purposive type of
sampling in order to know and understand the different
medical practices of magtatambal in Tagkawayan, Quezon.
The three (3) subjects were specifically identified as they
were found to be known experienced magtatambal.
The researchers asked the approval of the research
adviser, permission was sought conduct interview with the
subject. Informed consent forms as well as assent forms were
secured to be able to get the participation of the subjects.
The interview questions were given in advance to
allow the subject and the study participants to think and
prepare their answers. They were personally interviewed by
the researchers in selected barangays during their convenient
time. Permission also sought to do audio recording of the
actual interview likewise, they were given assurance
regarding the confidentiality of the data. The responses were
transcribed and coded as soon as possible then, categorized
for interpretation.
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Table 1. How do you perform your medical practice?
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caused by the animal’s bite, putting the boiled bolo on the

Subject Answer Code wound and let the bolo sip the venom or rabies.
Magtatambal A “Ano…nilalapatan ng By praying The researchers analyzed that the medical practices
Latin…oo…oo…oo Latin, that they are using are somehow not convincing in the eyes of
ano ah hindi ano lang blowing, and normal people. According to the magtatambal/s, they cured a
hihipan…oo…’yung patting. lot in the span of their experience hence, patients who are
mismong kinagatan… courageous, confident, and have strong trust in faith healing
oo...hihip saka yung still come to them for they believe that they can be healed.
tapik lang siya. Oo… According to Mental Floss UK (2018) from
parehas lang.” = Related Literature, the “cut and suck” method was discredited
a few decades ago because research proved it to be
Magtatambal B “Ayun…hinuhugasan Pouring the counterproductive. They stated that venom spreads to
ko ng tambal ‘yung tambal on victim’s system quickly, so there is no hope of sucking out a
kinagatan bago the wound, sufficient volume to make any difference. It can only increase
paiinumin ko… and let the the risk of infections. In addition, Ronca (2020) from Related
Wala…wala akong victim drink Literature, human mouth germs are stacked in their mouth
dasal…ang pagdadasal some that could cause infection in wound.
ay sa loob na laang. tambal. There is no study about using a bolo (bamboo stalk)
Pare-parehas.” = for extracting venom, but all the blank spaces can be solved if
Magtatambal C “Magpapakulo ako ng From the a further look and a study on the effectiveness of using boiled
tubig…’pag kulong bolo being bolo exist. All of their study states that using a suction
kulo na saka ko laang boiled with mechanism or sucking the venom using mouth is not
‘yung kawayan dun water, advisable because the tested suction mechanism did not
yung bolo…bago slightly cut extract the right amount of venom and the mouth of a human
ipakapit dun sa the side of is a breathing ground for bacteria’s waiting to infect the
ano…’pag wala the wound wound. In contrast with this test and claims, the boiled bolo
naming sugat at medyo using blade can function well as it can have a better suction effect that
tuyo na… and let it can suck the right amount of venom and knowing that the
inaanuhan(hinihiwaan) sipped the bolo is being boiled prior using, it makes it clean and can
ko…oo para may rabies. reduce the amount of bacteria
masipsipan…yung
blade... pero, puro Table 2. What are the tools and equipment you use in able
bago naman ang to perform the medical practice?
blade…na binibilli
ko…oo pinadudugo. Subject Answer Code
Wala. Oo, pare- Magtatambal “Latin lang more on Latin prayers
parehas lang.” = A Latin…libro ‘yun na only
isinalin sa ‘kin. Ahh…
Table 1 showed how the magtatambal perform galing pa ‘yun sa ninuno
their medical practice. This table also answered if the ng…(pause) ng…
magtatambal/s perform any orations, prayers or rituals, and if (pause)oo…kung baga
the medical practice differs each animal bites. The subjects ilang salin na ako kay
uttered that, they perform their healing by praying Latin, ama…sa…tatay ni ama…
blowing, and patting the area where the victim’s wound is, tapos…siguro mga pang
pouring the tambal or the liquor on the victim’s wound for it ano na ako eh pang…
to be cleaned and making the victim drink the tambal, and (pause)pang-anim or
lastly, by slightly cutting the small skin part near the wound pito… oo malayo na.
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Bigay lang talaga ‘yun… wound of the patient and using alcohol is believed to be a
kasi ‘yun…’yun talaga good first aid for snakebite to dissolve the venom.
naman ay dapat ay The use of alcohol to dissolve venom is questioned
pansarili…kaso syempre as it can affect the circulation of our blood and lymphatic
‘yung mga nakakaalam… system and can make the venom climb to the brain faster
kung baga sinasabi ng which leads to death but with that in mind, the use of alcohol
sinasabi kaya kung baga is supported by the article of Hall (2018) from Related
dumami ‘yung mga Literature, as he stated that alcohol can dissolve venom.
nagpapagamot na rin. While, the use of bolo needs further study to determine
‘Pag ano lang, pagka whether it can be an effective suction mechanism for
Mahal na Araw, dasal, snakebite because according to Mental Floss Uk (2018) from
oo.” = Related Literature, the suction method was discredited a few
decades ago by proved researches.

“Tambal, oo ‘yun laang.

Ay bigay din laang yun sa Tambal Table 3. Summary of Question and Answers
Magtatambal amin…nilalagyan ko ulit
B ng alak…alak lang ang Questions Summary of Answers
panlagay ko. Wala.” = 1. When did you start They started pagtatambal
on pagtatambal? when female victims started to
“Oo, bolo tapos pakulo ng come, started long ago, and
tubig… bulak tapos, since 1990, sequentially.
oo…’saka blade. ‘Saka Bolo, boiled 2. How long have you They have been treating
Magtatambal minsan, ‘yung nakikita water, been treating animal patients ten years ago, three
C nilang ano na ‘yung bolo cotton, and bites? years ago, and since she had
ko iilan nalang, may blade her husband and children,
nagdadala sa akin na respectively. They are
pasyente ko din. Ang experienced on their field of
nagawa naman ‘nun ay si curing animal bites, since they
JM na…kasi ano eh… have been treating for a long
(maalam)oo…tuyo kasi, time up to present.
‘pag sariwa nakulubot 3. Why did you decide The first subject stated that she
‘yun.” = to become a became a magtatambal
magtatambal? because her father taught her
the practices on treating animal
Table 2 represented the tools and equipment used bites, she had no choice but to
by the magtatambal on their medical practice. The first since her sibling did not want
magtatambal said that she only uses prayer which is to inherit the process of
composed of Latin words. The last two subjects stated that treating, meanwhile the last
they used an alcoholic beverage and a bolo boiled in water, two subjects answered that
cotton, and blade. they want to help others.
The Latin language is mostly used in faith healing 4. Where did you obtain It was inherited from her great
from then until now as it possesses powerful entities used as your knowledge? Did grandfather, inherited from her
a medium for communicating with spirits to seek guidance you study the process husband, and taught by her
for faith healing. Using bolo boiled in water, it can disinfect of treating animal bites? mother-in-law.
the bolo to remove unwanted bacteria that can affect the How long? Did
someone give you the
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process?
5. Do you also They do not prescribe any
prescribe medicine, medicine except for the
either herbal or Amoxicillin (antibiotics).
chemical after you treat
your patient? If yes,
what are those?
6. Do you also use The first two respondents
plants to treat animal answered that they do not use
bites? If yes, what are plants, only Latin prayers and
those? liquor with medicine, while the
last respondent said that she
uses bolo (bamboo stalk)
boiled in water.
7. Do you perform The first magtatambal stated
rituals? that she is doing some rituals
and offers prayer for the Latin
every Mahal na Araw.
Meanwhile, last two subjects
responded that they do not
perform any rituals, just little
prayers to seek guidance from
above.
8. Have you All of the subjects responded
experienced treating “yes” and sited that they treat
other animal bites? If animal bites, such as from
yes, what are those? snakes and dogs, while the
latter answered also from cats
and rat bites are included.
9. How would you The venom is extracted from
know if the venom or the body if: the victim’s body
rabies are extracted? is no longer numb, when
What are the signs? something watery and sticky
came out, and putting the bolo
or tambal on the victim’s body
twice to make sure that the
venom is no longer effective
on the victim’s body.
10. Are there any cases They have not failed yet on
where you failed on treating an animal bite.
treating an animal bite
victim?
11. Do you accept They do not accept payments
payments? from their patients however,
their patients still give them
donations for the help that they
gave.
12. How does The first subject stated that she
Pagtatambal help your can treat anyone aside herself.
family? The latter two responded that
they can both treat their family
members and their self
however, they are afraid.
13. What are the The first two subject answered
problems you that they are problematic when
encounter? their victims start to become
hysterical and overreact, while
the last subject said that she
has no problems because she
gives prior reminders to the
patients.
4. CONCLUSIONS
The medical practice on treating animal bites of the
magtatambal in Barangay Aliji Tagkawayan, Quezon is done
by saying a Latin prayer, blowing air, and patting the body
part bitten of the patient. The medical practice of the
magtatambal in Barangay Bamban Tagkawayan, Quezon is
done by washing the wound caused by the animal fangs using
the tambal (alcohol) and letting the victim drink one shot of
the tambal. The medical practice of the magtatambal in
Barangay Sta. Cecilia Tagkawayan, Quezon is done by
putting the bolo boiled in water to the wound. The bolo will
be placed to the part where the animal bite is repeatedly to
make sure that the venom is extracted from the victim’s body
until the victim feels light. The subjects’ only problem or
challenge is handling patients that are severely ill.
Pagtatambal supports the subjects’ family through the
donations that they receive from their patients. Passing the
knowledge and the procedure is the subjects’ way to preserve
their knowledge. Since some of the procedure are simple, it is
easy to remember the order of healing procedure, except for
the one subject who must constantly remember the prayers.
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The researchers would like to acknowledge and
praise first and for most our almighty for giving us
physically, mentally, and emotion strength and knowledge.
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TOWARDS SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

The researchers warmly thank their parents for their https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC309099

spiritual moral and financial support. Mr. Samboy D. Niala, 8
for his critical comments and support.

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